Cal Lutheran loses in Division III playoffs, 41-21

North Central Illinois takes control early and has 528 yards of offense.

Nick Kukuc rushed for a career-high 250 yards in 20 carries, leading North Central Illinois to a 41-21 victory over Cal Lutheran in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

The Cardinals (9-2) won for the fifth consecutive time in the first round of the postseason, putting up 528 total yards and establishing control early with a 24-point first quarter. Kukuc went 79 yards for a touchdown on the Cardinals' second play from scrimmage.

North Central's defense held Cal Lutheran (8-2) to 324 total yards, roughly 200 below the Kingsmen's season average, and forced four turnovers while recording four sacks.